A new study reveals an alarming high level of mercury in mountain lions. This neurotoxin is presumably brought on by the marine fog. This can have harmful effects in terms of reproduction and survival. Researchers found the concentration of mercury in lions residing in the Santa Cruz mountains is at least three times higher compared to lions living outside the area of the fog zone. Mercury levels found in the lions are found to be nearing its toxic threshold. Although mercury levels in fog present no health risk to humans, the risk to terrestrial mammals may be devastating.